Charity Gaming PC

[Jedediah]

Hey guys/gals,

My girlfriend's little brother was promised a new pc for christmas but his parents got a divorce and they aren't "well-off" by any means so we have decided to buy him a pc. Problem is we aren't exactly computer pros. What I'm looking for is advice on where to go and what to get for a Gaming pc between 600-800$. Since we aren't computer pros I would like to buy the computer assembled (Not sure if I'm posting this in the right forum). He plays mostly valve games like TF2, half-life and L4D but I would like it to run most of the newer games too.

Things I know I'm looking for:

---ships to Canada
---Will run the newer games (doesn't have to run Crysis on the highest settings)
---No need for any peripherals (i.e. keyboard, mouse, monitor)
---Intel over AMD (unless you can convince me otherwise)
---No need for storage over 250GB

I've done a little searching around and I've found this which seems to be a decent computer in my opinion. From NCIX.com


Processors (CPUs) Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 Dual Core Processor LGA775 2.5GHZ 800FSB 2MB Retail Box 1 $98.05

Motherboards Gigabyte EP43-UD3L ATX LGA775 P43 FSB 1600 OC 1PCI-E 2PCI DDR2 SATA2 HD Sound GBLAN Motherboard 1 $101.18

DDR2 Desktop Memory Corsair XMS2 TWIN2X4096-6400C5 4GB DDR2 2X2GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL 5-5-5-18 240PIN Memory Kit
$30.00 mail in rebate, valid from Apr 30, 2009 to Apr 16, 2009
$79.45

Video Cards GeForce 9800GT 600MHZ 512MB GDDR3 1.8GHZ PCI-E Dual DVI-I 1 $170.20

Computer Cases Compucase 6C28B ATX Case Black 4X5.25 2X3.5 4X.3.5INT W/ Front USB & Audio No PS 1 $44.99

Power Supplies Seasonic SS-400ET 400W EPS12V 20/24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 80PLUS 6PIN PCI-E 120MM Fan OEM 1 $46.49

Operating Systems Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 64BIT DVD OEM 1 $148.99

Hard Drives Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB SATA2 8.5MS 7200RPM 16MB Cache Hard Drive OEM 3YR MFR Warranty 1 $61.81

CD & DVD Drives Samsung SH-S223F/BEBN 22X Speedplus DVD+-RW SATA DVD Writer OEM 1 $32.99


The reason I'm looking at NCIX is because they assemble the pcs themselves and seem to give the best deals from what I've seen.

Any help is appreciated guys/gals.

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by Jedediah Hey guys/gals, My girlfriend's little brother was promised a new pc for christmas but his parents got a divorce and they aren't "well-off" by any means so we have decided to buy him a pc. Problem is we aren't exactly computer pros. What I'm looking for is advice on where to go and what to get for a Gaming pc between 600-800$. Since we aren't computer pros I would like to buy the computer assembled (Not sure if I'm posting this in the right forum). He plays mostly valve games like TF2, half-life and L4D but I would like it to run most of the newer games too. Things I know I'm looking for: ---ships to Canada ---Will run the newer games (doesn't have to run Crysis on the highest settings) ---No need for any peripherals (i.e. keyboard, mouse, monitor) ---Intel over AMD (unless you can convince me otherwise) ---No need for storage over 250GB I've done a little searching around and I've found this which seems to be a decent computer in my opinion. From NCIX.com Processors (CPUs) Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 Dual Core Processor LGA775 2.5GHZ 800FSB 2MB Retail Box 1 $98.05 Motherboards Gigabyte EP43-UD3L ATX LGA775 P43 FSB 1600 OC 1PCI-E 2PCI DDR2 SATA2 HD Sound GBLAN Motherboard 1 $101.18 DDR2 Desktop Memory Corsair XMS2 TWIN2X4096-6400C5 4GB DDR2 2X2GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL 5-5-5-18 240PIN Memory Kit $30.00 mail in rebate, valid from Apr 30, 2009 to Apr 16, 2009 $79.45 Video Cards GeForce 9800GT 600MHZ 512MB GDDR3 1.8GHZ PCI-E Dual DVI-I 1 $170.20 Computer Cases Compucase 6C28B ATX Case Black 4X5.25 2X3.5 4X.3.5INT W/ Front USB & Audio No PS 1 $44.99 Power Supplies Seasonic SS-400ET 400W EPS12V 20/24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 80PLUS 6PIN PCI-E 120MM Fan OEM 1 $46.49 Operating Systems Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 64BIT DVD OEM 1 $148.99 Hard Drives Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB SATA2 8.5MS 7200RPM 16MB Cache Hard Drive OEM 3YR MFR Warranty 1 $61.81 CD & DVD Drives Samsung SH-S223F/BEBN 22X Speedplus DVD+-RW SATA DVD Writer OEM 1 $32.99 The reason I'm looking at NCIX is because they assemble the pcs themselves and seem to give the best deals from what I've seen. Any help is appreciated guys/gals.

Samsung makes unreliable Optical Drives. I recommend LG or Sony.
Who makes the 9800GT you are looking at?

[Jedediah]

Umm I used the "Buy a PC" option on NCIX.com and choose that video card.

http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc/ncixpc.cfm...B48B2C-2358266

I'm pretty sure it is just a geneic part because it doesn't mention the brand. If you could suggest something else it would be appreciated.

[Masaki 7-11]

I'd take a look at getting a ATI HD4770 since they are a good bit less expensive and perform better than the 9800GT: http://ncix.com/products/?sku=38281&...ure=PowerColor.

Since this is a lower budget computer and will mostly be used for gaming; get an OS like Vista Home Basic (32-bit has been faster and easier to use from my experience) or XP Home since it's less expensive, it's easier to use (has less 'features') and provides more performance.

Might want to take a look at an AMD build; the Athlon X2 7750 has the same performance as the E5200, but costs $20 less: http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...anufacture=AMD. Pair it with a decent motherboard such as this and it'll be about the performance as using the Intel setup above, but less expensive: http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...cture=Gigabyte

[glc]

---Intel over AMD (unless you can convince me otherwise)

$20 wouldn't convince *ME* otherwise. That's minor.

Vista Basic is awful. I'd personally prefer XP for best performance on a budget machine, but if you want Vista, you picked the right version.

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by glc $20 wouldn't convince *ME* otherwise. That's minor. Vista Basic is awful. I'd personally prefer XP for best performance on a budget machine, but if you want Vista, you picked the right version.

$20 is minor, but it's still something you'd have to pay extra basically for the Intel brand; the quality of AMD and Intel processors are pretty much the same; very good.

Why do you think Vista Basic is awful? From my experience it's faster than less bloated than the other versions of Vista, I wouldn't recommend it if you need Windows Media Center or want to have the Aero interface.

[Khalil]

Either AMD or Intel will work, they are both excellent processors.
If you have an open budget and you fancy Intel then its a good way to go but in my opinion AMD is the best bang for the buck currently, AMD also has much better backward and forward compatibility than Intel.
I highly recommend you don't go with unknown parts, call them and ask them what kind of 9800GT it is, not all nVidia cards are made equally.
ATI is currently leading the way and a 4670 or a 4870 will do nicely depending on your budget.

[flanzig1]

For either of the video cards mentioned, a 400w PSU is bare mininum. Would bump up to at least a 500w to have the safety edge.

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by flanzig1 For either of the video cards mentioned, a 400w PSU is bare mininum. Would bump up to at least a 500w to have the safety edge.

I totally agree.

[glc]

However, there probably isn't a better 400 watt PSU made than a Seasonic. It's got 34 amps available on the +12v rails.

[Jedediah]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the quick responses. I'm basically just trying to give this kid the best computer with the limited resources I have. I don't think he will be overclocking or updating the pc that much as he is just as computer illiterate as I am (just happens to enjoy gaming on them). I think what I'll do is build the pc on the NCIX website then post it again when i complete it to get opinions.

Thanks a lot for your input.

[Jedediah]

Can I get your comments on the below build. I'm not looking to sink much money into a case as I want the best bang for my buck. I do believe I'm going to go with Intel (stupid brandname shopping) but I would like some input into the motherboard, PSU and vid card as I'm not strong in these areas. Also is it a waste to buy 4 Gb of ram when using XP. (I went XP because the kid is used to that system).

Thanks again for the help guys. Just want to give this kid the best my girlfriend and I can. (He has already bought the orange box in anticipation)



Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 Dual Core Processor LGA775 2.5GHZ 800FSB 2MB Retail Box $98.05

Motherboard Gigabyte GA-EG31M-ES2L mATX LGA775 G31 DDR2 1PCI-E16 2PCI SATA2 Video Sound GBLAN Motherboard $65.47

DDR2 Memory (RAM) Crucial Rendition 2GB 1X2GB PC2-5300 DDR2-667 240PIN DIMM Memory
(RM25664AA667) (sku: 26394) $29.99

Computer Case Compucase 6C28B ATX Case Black 4X5.25 2X3.5 4X.3.5INT W/ Front USB & Audio No PS $44.99

Power Supply Corsair VX450 450W ATX 12V 33A 24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan $98.78

Video Cards Radeon HD 4770 750MHZ 512MB GDDR5 3.2GHZ PCI-E Dual DVI-I
(AMD-ATI-RADEON-4770-512MB) $139.99

Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition OEM $115.26

System Warranty 1 Year Parts & 1 Year Labour Limited Warranty On System Components - $0.01

Hard Drives Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB SATA2 8.5MS 7200RPM 16MB Cache Hard Drive OEM 3YR MFR Warranty $61.81 $61.81

DVD Writer LG GH22NP20 Black DVD+RW 22X8X16 DVD-RW 22X6X16 DL 16X/12X 2MB IDE OEM $33.98

Full assembly and testing of the system. $25.00

YOUR TOTAL
All quoted prices are in CANADIAN DOLLARS $713.33

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by Jedediah Can I get your comments on the below build. I'm not looking to sink much money into a case as I want the best bang for my buck. I do believe I'm going to go with Intel (stupid brandname shopping) but I would like some input into the motherboard, PSU and vid card as I'm not strong in these areas. Also is it a waste to buy 4 Gb of ram when using XP. (I went XP because the kid is used to that system). Thanks again for the help guys. Just want to give this kid the best my girlfriend and I can. (He has already bought the orange box in anticipation) Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 Dual Core Processor LGA775 2.5GHZ 800FSB 2MB Retail Box $98.05 Motherboard Gigabyte GA-EG31M-ES2L mATX LGA775 G31 DDR2 1PCI-E16 2PCI SATA2 Video Sound GBLAN Motherboard $65.47 DDR2 Memory (RAM) Crucial Rendition 2GB 1X2GB PC2-5300 DDR2-667 240PIN DIMM Memory (RM25664AA667) (sku: 26394) $29.99 Computer Case Compucase 6C28B ATX Case Black 4X5.25 2X3.5 4X.3.5INT W/ Front USB & Audio No PS $44.99 Power Supply Corsair VX450 450W ATX 12V 33A 24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan $98.78 Video Cards Radeon HD 4770 750MHZ 512MB GDDR5 3.2GHZ PCI-E Dual DVI-I (AMD-ATI-RADEON-4770-512MB) $139.99 Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition OEM $115.26 System Warranty 1 Year Parts & 1 Year Labour Limited Warranty On System Components - $0.01 Hard Drives Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB SATA2 8.5MS 7200RPM 16MB Cache Hard Drive OEM 3YR MFR Warranty $61.81 $61.81 DVD Writer LG GH22NP20 Black DVD+RW 22X8X16 DVD-RW 22X6X16 DL 16X/12X 2MB IDE OEM $33.98 Full assembly and testing of the system. $25.00 YOUR TOTAL All quoted prices are in CANADIAN DOLLARS $713.33

Why only a 1 year warranty? If all the hardware is brand new they should give you a standard 3 year warranty.
Are you sure all components are brand new? Some of those so called system builders use factory refurbished hardware and sell it as new.
Be careful!

[not important]

It would be preferable to get 2 sticks of RAM...... 2 X 1 GB or better yet.....2 X 2 GB.
DDR2 800 would also be better.

[glc]

The E5200 is only 800 FSB, so the 667 ram is fine - if it saves you money.